The Running Thread - 2021

[kps7795]

So for me, I start with that overarching goal. So mine is to run a sub-3 and BQ. That's been the goal for nearly a decade now. That means at least a marathon somewhere on the schedule. I want to find the right race when it comes to that. So something that has ample aid stations, is flat-ish, is historically in the 30-40 degree windchill, is reasonably close by, the training occurs during a cold season. After years of trying different races, I've settled on the Madison Marathon as my best option. Some races have some of these things, but are a miss elsewhere. Like the Disney Marathon checks a lot of boxes for me, but the weather is too variable to plan for 30-40s. Whereas, the Madison Marathon is a harder course, but it's virtually guaranteed to be cold here during the race. The Lakefront Marathon is a good option, better course than Madison, but the weather is slightly warmer (still ideal though), the training is further into summer though. I'd like to see how I perform in the 30-40s in a marathon based on how the 2019 Madison HM went.

So finding that "A" race sort of sets the rest of the calendar. I know I'm blocked up from July-November with the focus on marathon training. So that leaves me December to June to focus elsewhere. There's good research to show that you should diversify your training over the year. Don't get stuck in a continued loop of similar training. So if I've got marathon training from July-November, then I should look at different race distances for the December to June timeframe. I've got a local HM I like to do in June. It's always hot coming out of the winter/spring, so it's usually not an ideal race. This year, I'm doing Princess 5k/10k/HM in February.

The plan at the moment up to November is the Madison Marathon, then December to February is Princess, then March to May is Mile training, then July to November is Madison Marathon 2022. The marathon training focuses on high volume, 5k pacing and marathon pacing. I haven't written the Princess plan yet, but the focus will be on threshold pacing and trying some new workouts I've been toying around with for others. Then the mile training will be a tweak of what I did during Spring 2020 (not doing three hard sprint workouts per week this time). I won't have any "B" races during Princess. The plan during mile training is to sign up for 5ks, and then only run the first mile hard. So I'll be looking for races where there were some seriously fast runners so I can run with them for the first mile alone. I don't have any 5ks chosen in particular at the moment. But know generally they should occur in April/early May when the weather is still cold.

As for the current plan, I'm in the midst of training for the Madison Marathon. I'm considering doing a "B" race 10k. But since the purpose is solely for checking my fitness, I'm holding out signing up for anything to ensure I'm healthy and the weather is ideal. So I've found plenty of local races on different weekends that work with my training plan in the hopes that when the time comes one of them will work out.

So ultimately to answer the question, I plan things fairly far out, and I also plan to wait until the week of the race to sign up for some things. Just depends on the purpose of the race for me.

Sub-3?!? That is seriously badass! Go for it!!! I just want to finish upright.

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

Me: I'm not in racing shape.
Me: My feet hurt and I shouldn't even run.
Me: I have a lot of stuff to do around the house.
DW: So you're running a race tomorrow?
Me: How did you know?

9/11, Backpack Love 5K, Oakwood GA: Goal: 27:59

 

[Guidman]

Asking for a friend, but the below isn’t something a race director usually includes in an email 36 hours before a marathon:

I am going to try to get some sleep now. Please do not email. There are no refunds, deferrals or transfers. I do not need to know if you are not coming.

With today’s email on par (included the words do not complain), it’s comical how annoyed this race director is about putting on this race.

 

[camaker]

Asking for a friend, but the below isn’t something a race director usually includes in an email 36 hours before a marathon:

I am going to try to get some sleep now. Please do not email. There are no refunds, deferrals or transfers. I do not need to know if you are not coming.

With today’s email on par (included the words do not complain), it’s comical how annoyed this race director is about putting on this race.

It sounds less comically annoyed and more like a race director who has been inundated with last minute requests from runners who want exceptions to stated race policies and is at the end of their patience. .

 

[Guidman]

While I understand that this race (Erie) is a total volunteer run one and that is a huge undertaking, I would imagine that someone who enjoys the position and takes pride in putting on a race would be the director. I’ve done races in the past that are volunteer run and they’ve been great and well organized. The Steamtown Marathon is incredibly well run and provides detailed weekly updates. Between the registration for Erie in June, there hasn’t been any communication up until two days before the race.

Given the climate that we’re in, I can see some participants might have questions regarding procedures or how things are going to be handled. I believe most runners are by and large accommodative to them and are just happy to be running an in person race. When the tone of all communication from the outset is just talking down to participants and largely negative, well imagine Disney doing that and what runners would think.

 

[camaker]

While I understand that this race (Erie) is a total volunteer run one and that is a huge undertaking, I would imagine that someone who enjoys the position and takes pride in putting on a race would be the director. I’ve done races in the past that are volunteer run and they’ve been great and well organized. The Steamtown Marathon is incredibly well run and provides detailed weekly updates. Between the registration for Erie in June, there hasn’t been any communication up until two days before the race.

Given the climate that we’re in, I can see some participants might have questions regarding procedures or how things are going to be handled. I believe most runners are by and large accommodative to them and are just happy to be running an in person race. When the tone of all communication from the outset is just talking down to participants and largely negative, well imagine Disney doing that and what runners would think.

You only gave us this one snippet of communication from the race director, so if there were more examples of incomplete or inadequate communication, there was no way to know. I don’t share your optimism that “runners are by and large accommodative”. I’ve seen far too many instances of runners complaining about and seeking exceptions to clearly stated race policies. Emailing a race director that you can’t make the race is often a passive aggressive attempt to fish for a refund. The specifics that were mentioned in your original post are pretty well covered in this excerpt from the race website’s FAQ:



My thought is still to wonder just how inundated this volunteer race director has been with these requests to elicit that kind of response. I also think runners in general need to give more thought to the fact that a large proportion of people running these races are volunteers, providing us the opportunity to do something we enjoy for little or no compensation.

ETA: RunDisney and TrackShack are also professional race running organizations, not a volunteer trying to put on a local race while still doing their day job, so that’s a pretty apples and oranges comparison.

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

9/11, Backpack Love 5K, Oakwood GA: Goal: 27:59

9/11, Backpack Love 5K, Oakwood GA: Goal: 27:59: Results: 27:15, 1st place AG, 17/54 overall.

One Paragraph Race Report: Loop course, 200 ft. elevation gain, unorganized casual race, but for a good cause. They send backpacks of food home with kids on Friday night to feed them and their family over the weekend. Splits were even to negative. No celebratory meal, had grocery shopping to do. How often do you get to shop with a medal on?

Yeah, I went for the Superhero pose:



Bling to wear shopping:



Nice shirt with a reminder on the sleeve. I'm sure I wasn't the only one, but got teary-eyed at the start.

 

[SheHulk]

Race Report: Queen of Prussia 10k, Sunday September 12
Distance: 10k
Goal: Princess half corral cutoff PoT (i.e., 54:45) or bust. I didn't even care if I finished if I didn't get that goal.
Official Time: 54:37

First I want to say, this was a nicely-run race and I thought the organizers did a great job. The course was just impeccably marked, and had lots of volunteers flagging the way. You couldn't get lost if you tried. All roads were closed too, so no worries about cars. It started in the Town Center which is really like a giant shopping center so there was copious parking right near the start/finish. Also it was a nice-ish shopping center so a pleasant place to hang out and wait to start.

I had already started stressing/complaining earlier this week about the projected T+D, as it kept creeping up for race time in the forecast all week. It turned out to be about 127, which I'm sure is laughable to many of you who live down south, but I am on such a razor's edge making this PoT time that it could make the difference. In reality it just meant that I needed to stay hydrated all week and show up to the start line with good hydration/nutrition. Sadly, as usual, I did not do that.

Long story short, I ran a little too fast the first 2.5 miles, and at mile 3.5 I started feeling the heat (I am a middle-aged lady after all). I knew going in, there was no way I could take time to grab fluids at the water stop and still make my goal time. But I got pretty bad stomach cramps and my vision started to have spots a little just before a water stop at mile 4 and change. I knew I had to stop and grab a water. I'm way too klutzy to drink on the run so that meant walking for 30 sec to a minute. Normally, this would mean I start to despair, decide my race was ruined, and just give up. But Billy gave me an expert pep talk leading into the race, and I remembered what he said: Don't worry if you lose it at any point, keep going, you can get it back (not a direct quote). So I didn't give up and just started running again, maybe not at my too-fast pace or even my goal pace but a little slower. And I got it back! By the time the finish line was in sight I could "sprint" (for me) the final 0.2 or so. And I just squeaked in there! Less than 10 seconds ahead of my goal time!

I still have not learned my lesson to have a nutrition/hydration plan on race morning and stick to it. Maybe this time will scare me straight but I doubt it. All praise goes to Billy, Builder of the Training Plans and Pep Talker for the Head Cases like me. I couldn't have imagined getting a PoT at these new tightened standards even a year ago.

 

[DopeyBadger]

But Billy gave me an expert pep talk leading into the race, and I remembered what he said: Don't worry if you lose it at any point, keep going, you can get it back (not a direct quote).

Above all else, stay highly motivated. Do not lose hope no matter if you feel things slipping. Sometimes our legs come back to us, or you get a rush. So maintain maintain maintain. Stay mentally positive. Smile. Accept that it will suck in the moment because of legs or breathing, but it will pass. And glory is eternal.

Congrats! I knew it would be close, but you overcame.

 

[KevM]

Race Report: Queen of Prussia 10k, Sunday September 12
Distance: 10k
Goal: Princess half corral cutoff PoT (i.e., 54:45) or bust. I didn't even care if I finished if I didn't get that goal.
Official Time: 54:37

First I want to say, this was a nicely-run race and I thought the organizers did a great job. The course was just impeccably marked, and had lots of volunteers flagging the way. You couldn't get lost if you tried. All roads were closed too, so no worries about cars. It started in the Town Center which is really like a giant shopping center so there was copious parking right near the start/finish. Also it was a nice-ish shopping center so a pleasant place to hang out and wait to start.

I had already started stressing/complaining earlier this week about the projected T+D, as it kept creeping up for race time in the forecast all week. It turned out to be about 127, which I'm sure is laughable to many of you who live down south, but I am on such a razor's edge making this PoT time that it could make the difference. In reality it just meant that I needed to stay hydrated all week and show up to the start line with good hydration/nutrition. Sadly, as usual, I did not do that.

Long story short, I ran a little too fast the first 2.5 miles, and at mile 3.5 I started feeling the heat (I am a middle-aged lady after all). I knew going in, there was no way I could take time to grab fluids at the water stop and still make my goal time. But I got pretty bad stomach cramps and my vision started to have spots a little just before a water stop at mile 4 and change. I knew I had to stop and grab a water. I'm way too klutzy to drink on the run so that meant walking for 30 sec to a minute. Normally, this would mean I start to despair, decide my race was ruined, and just give up. But Billy gave me an expert pep talk leading into the race, and I remembered what he said: Don't worry if you lose it at any point, keep going, you can get it back (not a direct quote). So I didn't give up and just started running again, maybe not at my too-fast pace or even my goal pace but a little slower. And I got it back! By the time the finish line was in sight I could "sprint" (for me) the final 0.2 or so. And I just squeaked in there! Less than 10 seconds ahead of my goal time!

I still have not learned my lesson to have a nutrition/hydration plan on race morning and stick to it. Maybe this time will scare me straight but I doubt it. All praise goes to Billy, Builder of the Training Plans and Pep Talker for the Head Cases like me. I couldn't have imagined getting a PoT at these new tightened standards even a year ago.

Congratulations on the PoT!

Yeah, the organizers did do a good job on it and the Town Center for a starting/ending point is a great location. This was my first time volunteering at a race but from my point of view they did a great job on that end as well.

 

[GreatLakes]

I ran my first half marathon since early 2019 yesterday. The only half inside the PoT windows for Marathon Weekend was my second slowest ever so I wanted to go out and get a better time. It was a hilly course so I knew ht wouldn't be a great time but I was aiming for a 1:38 and came in just under 1:37 so I'll take it.

The race itself was a lot of fun. I ran it back in 2018 but as a training run with a friend so I knew it was hilly but since I was taking it easy I didn't feel them as much as yesterday. I was feeling pretty good until the short but steep hill at mile 11 that I totally forgot about. It was in Amish country so the scenery was beautiful and I can now say I was passed by a horse and buggy in a race so there's that.

Here is the course profile. The hills weren't long but they were steep and constant and the roads were compacted gravel for the most part which added a little adventure to the downhills.

 

[steph0808]

Finished off my peak training week (47.2 - my most weekly miles ever!) with a fast-finish 16 miles today. It was definitely warmer than I hoped, but I felt good and did the last 4 miles at marathon pace.

Even saw a porcupine! I haven't seen one of them on a run in several years!

 

[avondale]

Race Report: Queen of Prussia 10k, Sunday September 12
Distance: 10k
Goal: Princess half corral cutoff PoT (i.e., 54:45) or bust. I didn't even care if I finished if I didn't get that goal.
Official Time: 54:37

First I want to say, this was a nicely-run race and I thought the organizers did a great job. The course was just impeccably marked, and had lots of volunteers flagging the way. You couldn't get lost if you tried. All roads were closed too, so no worries about cars. It started in the Town Center which is really like a giant shopping center so there was copious parking right near the start/finish. Also it was a nice-ish shopping center so a pleasant place to hang out and wait to start.

I had already started stressing/complaining earlier this week about the projected T+D, as it kept creeping up for race time in the forecast all week. It turned out to be about 127, which I'm sure is laughable to many of you who live down south, but I am on such a razor's edge making this PoT time that it could make the difference. In reality it just meant that I needed to stay hydrated all week and show up to the start line with good hydration/nutrition. Sadly, as usual, I did not do that.

Long story short, I ran a little too fast the first 2.5 miles, and at mile 3.5 I started feeling the heat (I am a middle-aged lady after all). I knew going in, there was no way I could take time to grab fluids at the water stop and still make my goal time. But I got pretty bad stomach cramps and my vision started to have spots a little just before a water stop at mile 4 and change. I knew I had to stop and grab a water. I'm way too klutzy to drink on the run so that meant walking for 30 sec to a minute. Normally, this would mean I start to despair, decide my race was ruined, and just give up. But Billy gave me an expert pep talk leading into the race, and I remembered what he said: Don't worry if you lose it at any point, keep going, you can get it back (not a direct quote). So I didn't give up and just started running again, maybe not at my too-fast pace or even my goal pace but a little slower. And I got it back! By the time the finish line was in sight I could "sprint" (for me) the final 0.2 or so. And I just squeaked in there! Less than 10 seconds ahead of my goal time!

I still have not learned my lesson to have a nutrition/hydration plan on race morning and stick to it. Maybe this time will scare me straight but I doubt it. All praise goes to Billy, Builder of the Training Plans and Pep Talker for the Head Cases like me. I couldn't have imagined getting a PoT at these new tightened standards even a year ago.

That's a great 10k time! Congratulations!

 

[Guidman]

I apologize for being a complete *** in my above posts. Reading them back, I was out of line and that was a total overreaction on my part.

Race Report: Erie Marathon (3:17-3:20/3:36.28)

I had looked to run Erie back in 2019 but by the time I finally decided on it the race was sold out. I think it's a pretty popular BQ for this region just given the course profile.
Course: It's two laps around the Isle that juts out into the lake. It's pretty similar to Bear Island Road down at Disney. Just a two lane road tree-lined road for the entire way. Pretty much pancake flat the whole way. Garmin only had 50 feet of gain for the whole race. The first part of the loop you had a slight tail wind, the back stretch along the bay, there were about 25 mph winds for a few mile stretches. It is nice that it runs right next to the beach, all you hear is the sound of the tide for a good portion of it.
Weather: The T+D was 132 at the start (72 & 61). I guess it could have been worse with a mid-September race. You just hope it's not unbearable and the sun was only really out for the last half.
Race: As Slider said in Top Gun, "Crash and burned, huh Mav?". I was hoping for a much faster time. I was on pace thru the first half and up until mile 16, everything felt pretty good. From 16-20, the wheels started to loosen. By mile 21, they were completely off and in the lake. Those last few miles were a mix of run/walk. Between leg cramps, foot arch crams, hot spots: it wasn't pretty. There was a group of 6 or so of us that kept passing each other then walking. Not what I hoped for but I'll enjoy any in-person race as much I can right now. Take every race as a learning opportunity. They did a good job with the pre-race spacing and with less than 500 runners, it was really spaced out on the course. I have a couple races coming up in the next few weeks that I'm not certain will go off. One at the end of the month has modified the start.

 

[jjb1974]

You only gave us this one snippet of communication from the race director, so if there were more examples of incomplete or inadequate communication, there was no way to know. I don’t share your optimism that “runners are by and large accommodative”. I’ve seen far too many instances of runners complaining about and seeking exceptions to clearly stated race policies. Emailing a race director that you can’t make the race is often a passive aggressive attempt to fish for a refund. The specifics that were mentioned in your original post are pretty well covered in this excerpt from the race website’s FAQ:

View attachment 604127

My thought is still to wonder just how inundated this volunteer race director has been with these requests to elicit that kind of response. I also think runners in general need to give more thought to the fact that a large proportion of people running these races are volunteers, providing us the opportunity to do something we enjoy for little or no compensation.

ETA: RunDisney and TrackShack are also professional race running organizations, not a volunteer trying to put on a local race while still doing their day job, so that’s a pretty apples and oranges comparison.

I have one race director in my area who is like this: it is for our two biggest trail races that attract regional interest, sell out quick, and try to devote as much cash as possible to pour back into the parks where the runs occur. High speed, low drag is the mantra for the operation in order to accomplish that goal.

If you don't beat into runners that there aren't accommodations, they will incessantly ask for them. Late signups, transfer into different length races, bib exchanges, credits, etc. For me, it's real simple, do not sign up for a race until you are 100% sure you can do it, both from a time and ability level. And if you get injured and can't do it, well, you made a donation. Go win a top 3 age group/overall medal in your next race to "take" a bit out of that race's fees and achieve karmic balance.

 

[avondale]

I ran the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run today. (Spoiler alert: no cherry blossoms in September.) I did this as a long run in my training plan. It is definitely a good race, and with the very pleasant weather, I had a nice time. I have a report on my training log.

 

[GreatLakes]

I ran the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run today. (Spoiler alert: no cherry blossoms in September.) I did this as a long run in my training plan. It is definitely a good race, and with the very pleasant weather, I had a nice time. I have a report on my training log.

I'm running it in the spring with my 2020 deferral.

 

[dis_or_dat]

loving these in person race reports!

 

[garneska]

loving these in person race reports!

Can’t wait till it’s your turn. Looking forward to it.

 

[cburnett11]

Race Report: Erie Marathon (3:17-3:20/3:36.28)

Congrats on your marathon! I had a few runner friends from Louisville that went up there for it.